Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, leader of the right-wing People's Party who served from 2011 to 2018, is facing widespread condemnation after writing that France's national football team has no French players. The remark appeared in an op-ed for the online newspaper El Debate, written as Spain prepared for a World Cup semi-final showdown with France.
The comment is seen as an apparent reference to the composition of the French squad, which includes players with immigrant backgrounds or those hailing from former French colonies. Following the publication of the article, Rajoy has faced growing accusations of racism.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the remarks, calling them xenophobic and stating that Rajoy shamed Spain. Several French politicians have also slammed the former premier for his statements.